Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 9 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 February 2005. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Monday, 21 February 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of Russia's supersonic anti-ship cruise missile capabilities; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of Russia's supersonic anti-ship cruise missile capabilities; and if he will make a statement. [216717] Mr. Hoon: The Ministry of Defence maintains a continuous assessment of Russia's supersonic anti-ship missile capability. Russia has a credible supersonic anti- ship missile capability to engage surface warships at long range (greater than 100 km). A number of these systems are very old, as are the ships that carry them, and they are expected to be phased out over the next decade. New more capable systems are being developed.

Secondary information